The significant challenges that we face today cannot be resolved by the same level of thinking that created them. |
| KIT # 83: A Computer The Way You Want It |
| Issue: #83 Date: February 3rd, 2003 Publisher's Corner Hi and welcome to today's issue of Keeping in Touch. A big, warm 'hello' to all our new subscribers. I'm a very trusting person and believe that most people I have met are the same. Of course, there are times when I've been wrong. I also have the conviction that most of us who work online work with a similar standard of ethics and morality. Yesterday I received a note from a gentleman in the UK advising me of a big loophole on one of my web pages that would lead to a product download without you having to pay. I am so thankful to him and admire the fact that he took the time out of a busy day to let me know. I made the necessary changes to my pages and uploaded them. This act of generosity is to be commended. It is this spirit that will separate the people who are serious and sincere from those looking to make a fast buck. Always remember to treat others as you wish to be treated -- works every time. This is how relationships are started and you'll meet some wonderful people. I know I have. Bob Osgoodby offers some sound advice about how to choose a computer. Not everyone uses a computer for the same reasons. My husband and I had both our computers built for that very reason. He needed his for working with graphics, layouts and other huge files while I needed one that would allow me to do the same sort of thing on a smaller scale but I required a system that stayed steady using internet communications and some of the newer software products. A Computer The Way You Want It shows the reasons your purchase from the store shelves may ultimately disappoint you. Our Special Feature, written by Phil Beckett, is Stress Release Via Personal Care. Phil suggests we take notice of the things in day to day activity or action and determine ways to cut down or cut out stress altogether. Have a great day and keep on smiling. Lois M. Jeary Feature Article Internet Tip of the Week by Bob Osgoodby A Computer the Way You Want It Most of the computers sold in retail stores are a compromise, designed to appeal to the widest number of potential purchasers. Depending on what you want to use it for, usually it is not what you need, as they are what are referred to as "middle of the road" systems. There are several things that you should take into consideration. If your primary use will be basically email and word processing, if you buy one of these "middle of the road" systems, you will be paying for a lot of "bells and whistles" you don't really need and will never use. You really don't need the "blinding speed" of the upper end processors as you will never be able to use it in the applications you use. While a CD and Floppy Disk Drive are required to use today's technology, if the only thing you will use them for is loading programs when you first get the system or acquire new software, the high end devices are simply "overkill" and unnecessarily add to the cost of the system you buy. If however, you use the computer for entertainment purposes, rather than getting a CD read only device, consider one that can read and write - in other words a CD Burner. That way, if you download something from the web, you can create your own CDs. You might also consider a second unit so that if you want to copy particular songs from several CDs you already have for your own use, you can. In this case I would recommend a DVD reader as the second unit as that can read both DVDs as well as CDs. You can also make copies of your software, and if you have downloaded programs from the web, you can archive them as well. The motherboard you select is extremely important. Many of the newer ones have integrated sound cards, video cards, and networking cards. If they aren't, be sure you get one with enough expansion slots to accommodate everything you may need down the line if your needs increase. Be cautious when it comes to built in video cards for your monitor. The low end cards may not handle the demands of some graphic intensive programs you might use. The actual processor you select is the most expensive part of the computer you choose. If your processing needs are minimal, such as email and/or word processing, you should consider the lower end - about a gigahertz in speed. It makes no sense to pay for something you don't need. On the flip side however, if you intend to do high end graphics, you will be disappointed if you select a slower speed. If you are a game buff, definitely consider a 2+ gigahertz speed, as most games are graphic intensive. Your hard drive is your next consideration. Be sure it is between 40 gigabytes and 60 gigabytes and runs at 7,200 RPM. These should provide adequate storage for most people. This is a case where bigger is not better. Larger drives are available but run at a slower speed, which degrades your access time. If you are doing work that is critical in nature, and you would have a difficult time recovering from a disk crash, consider two hard drives. That way you can easily back up your data files and programs to a second drive. Simply change the wire, reinstall Windows and you're back in business very quickly. This does require some discipline on your part however, as you must periodically back up to the second drive. The case you buy for your computer is also important. Unless space is an important consideration, forget the really small ones as they have very few expansion slots for future growth. A mid size tower is probably your best bet. Be sure the power supply is adequate to your needs. Most "middle of the road systems" offer 250 watt power supplies which may not be adequate - if you want expandability, consider 400 watts. As far as which version of Windows to get, XP is fine for casual use. It is very friendly and suited to the novice user. If however, you have had Windows 95 or 98, you will most likely be disappointed with XP, and should consider Windows 2000 Professional. Windows 2000 is an extremely stable operating system. Be aware however, that some of the hardware and software you had on Windows 95 or 98 may not work properly on 2000. So what is the best way to get your new computer? If you can read and follow directions, consider buying the components and building your own. The newer cases available are a lot friendlier than they were in the past. If this is a task you don't want to tackle, try to find someone who can build it for you. Be sure they are knowledgeable in all phases of the hardware and software, and will be available to answer questions you might have. While you will pay a little extra for this service, it could pay big dividends in the event of problems later on. It is advisable however under any circumstances, to contact someone who has experience, as they could point you to cost saving equipment that you may not find yourself. They can also help you get a balanced system which better suits your needs and the applications you will be using. Selecting the proper components is a delicate balance between cost and capabilities. If you consider your actual needs, you won't be paying for things you don't need, and you won't be disappointed with the performance you expected. -----Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? - http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm - For information about building your computer, or technical support questions, contact JP at: mailto:answerguy@comcast.net Product Review Web Design Mastery I sincerely believe this trio of ebooks will help you create your winning web pages. There are loads of examples, the actual code you can copy right to your web page, not to mention the importance of setting up a professional looking site.
Inspiration Expect people to be better than they are; it helps
them to become better. But don't be disappointed
when they are not; it helps them to keep trying. For me it is sufficient to have a corner by my
hearth, a book and a friend, and a nap undisturbed
by creditors or grief. An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse
to correct it. Special Feature Stress Release Via Personal Care By Phil Beckett Copyright © Physique Concepts Inc. If you notice a greater deal of stress at home or work, or any other place for that matter, try to learn helpful ways to talk about conflicts and reduce the stress. Take notice of your everyday actions and activities to see what, if anything you can modify in order to make your life simpler and relieve your feelings of stress. Simple things like avoiding high traffic areas and times of the day, assigning certain household chores and other responsibilities to other members of your family, carpooling your kids to school and other activities, with their friends parents, etc. can have a very positive affect on relieving chronic stress and making your life easier over-all. You will notice that some of the situations that cause stress will turn out to be beyond your control; stress is just a side effect of it. If both your family and friends support you (which they should), it will make it much easier to handle. Try to spend more time around people who make you feel better about yourself. And just as important, avoid those people who time and again leave you feeling distressed, worn out or drained. Find some time every day to relax. You'll be able to recover from the stress of the day. In addition, there are certain relaxation methods that can help you relieve the effects of stress: Meditation, tightening and loosening each muscle group in your body one after another; Closing your eyes and visualizing a soothing scene, and listening to peaceful music; Sit quietly and breath slowly and uniformly. Close your eyes and inhale and exhale slowly through your nose. Pause for 2 seconds after you exhale and repeat until you feel the stress has lessened; Here are just some ways exercise helps with stress: Exercise may help to cause positive changes in the brain by releasing serotonin contributing to feeling relaxed and satisfied and increase alpha-wave activity in the brain producing a calming effect; Exercise can help to get your mind off negative, stressful thoughts. Most forms of physical activity and exercise in general require good concentration helping respect. Exercising at a gym, at home or doing activities outside will present an opportunity to work out any negative feelings that cause you stress or simply clear your mind and think about nothing at all; Working out with someone helps to provide you with the pleasure of companionship and prevents you from feeling lonely. Exercise helps you feel vigilant and invigorated helping to dramatically reduce your feelings of stress; Exercise is a stress relief. It can help to ease nagging muscle and emotional tension and helps you to have a deeper and more relaxing sleep. The connection between stress & nutrition; One of the many roles nutrition has in helping you combat stress rests primarily on it's ability to bolster your immune system and replace those nutrients that your body uses in greater amounts during negative situations. Women who suffer constantly are commonly deficient in magnesium. This deficiency can result in anxiety, fear and in extreme cases hallucinations. The thymus gland needs an anti stress vitamin called pantothenic acid. Women need other B vitamins for proper functioning of the nervous system. A woman's need for vitamin C increases dramatically under stress. You should be taking a minimum of 500 mg of time released vitamin C per day. If you're under a tremendous amount of stress you will need much more than this each day. Zinc will protect your cells from free radical damage. In order to ensure that your receiving all of the vitamins and minerals that you need each day you must take a high- quality multivitamin supplement; this isn't an option! You must also ensure that you are eating a well balanced diet consisting of an ample amount of protein carbohydrates with some fats. Also, you must ensure that your body is being fed consistently. This means you must eat 4 to 6 small well- balanced meals each day. Sugar and other starches can create an even bigger drain on your body's levels of vitamin C and the B vitamins. You should try to eliminate or restrict your consumption of these substances. Make a concerted effort to take good care of yourself, get enough sleep and try to make sure that your diet is balanced and consists of a variety of nutritious foods. The more you can recognize the cause of your stress and make modifications to eliminate or reduce stress, the better you'll begin to feel. You really can eliminate your stress problem immediately, and forever! Phil Beckett is the author of The New Women's Guide To Successful Weight Loss & Fitness. He's helped thousands of women with their weight loss & fitness goals over the past 14 years. Visit http://www.womens-health-fitness.com to contact Phil Hot Tip Special Download from The Freeware Arena I came across this special ebook that is loaded with freeware
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